As of 2025, Kentucky continues to allow drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic light, following these key requirements:
- Full Stop Required: You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if no stop line or crosswalk is present. Rolling through a red light without stopping is illegal.
- Check for Prohibitive Signs: Right turns on red are only allowed if there is no posted sign stating “No Turn on Red.” If such a sign is present, you must wait for a green light before turning.
- Yielding: After stopping, you must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians in the crosswalk and any oncoming traffic lawfully using the intersection. Only proceed when it is safe to do so.
Special Situations
- Left Turn on Red (One-Way Streets): Kentucky also allows a left turn on red if you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it. The same requirements of stopping and yielding apply.
- Multiple Turn Lanes: If there are two right or left turn lanes, you may turn from either lane unless a regulatory sign specifically prohibits it.
- Local Authority: Cities and counties in Kentucky may pass ordinances or regulations to prohibit right (or left) turns on red at specific intersections. These prohibitions are only enforceable if an official sign is posted.
Legal Reference
According to Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.338, the law states:
“The driver of a vehicle which is stopped as required by this paragraph with the intention of making a right turn, may make such right turn, after stopping, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting such movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding through the intersection.”
Safety and Enforcement
- Accidents and Liability: Failing to stop or yield before turning right on red can result in traffic citations and liability in the event of a crash. Drivers who do not obey these rules are typically found at fault in intersection accidents.
- Pedestrian Emphasis: There is a continued emphasis on pedestrian safety at intersections. Always check for and yield to pedestrians before turning.
Summary Table: Right Turn on Red in Kentucky (2025)
| Action | Allowed? | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red | Yes | After full stop, unless sign prohibits; must yield |
| Left turn on red (one-way) | Yes | From one-way to one-way only; after stop and yield |
| Turn on red if sign prohibits | No | Must wait for green if “No Turn on Red” sign is posted |
| Yield to pedestrians/traffic | Always | Required before turning |
Key Takeaways
- Right turn on red is legal in Kentucky after a complete stop and yielding, unless a posted sign prohibits it.
- Left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street to another one-way street, with the same requirements.
- Local governments may restrict turns on red at specific intersections via signage.
- Always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning.
No major changes to the right turn on red rule have been introduced for 2025, but enforcement and safety awareness-especially regarding pedestrians-remain a priority across Kentucky.
Sources:
- https://transportation.ky.gov/HighwaySafety/KYStrategicHighwaySafetyPlan/KY_SHSP_2025-2029.pdf
- https://www.grayandwhitelaw.com/library/kentucky-traffic-light-accidents-and-liability.cfm
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/connecticuttraffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/